Contrasting Composites vs. Metals in Aerospace

Ian McEnteggart, Composites Market Manager talks with Aerospace Manufacturing on the comparison between composites and metals for aerospace design. The material properties of the two contrast greatly in their testing requirements because of their varying reactions to the same conditions.

“A simple example of this is how they react to a bump. While an aluminum panel may pick up an obvious dent it can easily be knocked back into shape, with no effect on its properties. But because a composite springs back to shape, it can sustain ‘internal’ damage – despite there being no external evidence.”

The use of composites continues to grow, and Ian shares how the aerospace industry is standardizing testing to respond to the demand.